Joy and rejoicing is a particular theme in the book of Philippians. Let’s have a look at what Paul says there:
- 1:4: Paul prays with joy for the Philippian Christians, because of their partnership with him in the gospel.
- 1:18: Paul rejoices in the fact that the gospel is being proclaimed.
- 1:25: Paul says that he will remain (i.e. live and not die) so that he can “continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith.” Paul wants these Christians to grow in joy.
- 2:2: Paul wants the Philippians to “complete his joy” by being united together.
- 2:17-18: Even if Paul is facing death, he is “glad and rejoice[s] with them all.” In a similar way, Paul says that the Philippians should “be glad and rejoice with [him]” as he faces possible death.
- 2:28-29: Paul is eager to send Epaphroditus back to the Philippians, that they may rejoice at seeing him again. So he tells them to receive him with “all joy”.
- 3:1: Paul tells the Philippians to “rejoice in the Lord”. In other words to rejoice is a command!
- 4:1: Paul says that the Philippians church is his “joy and his crown”, that is, this church brings Paul joy.
- 4:4: Again, Paul commands the Philippians to rejoice: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”
- 4:10: The Philippians church showed Paul concern when we was in need, and this led Paul to “rejoice in the Lord greatly”.
In conclusion, joy ultimately comes from being in a right relationship with God through the Lord Jesus Christ. But it also comes from seeing the gospel being proclaimed. Seeing other Christians growing in the Lord and faithfully serving him.
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